Program GMC keys made easy. All the information you need to know how to program a new GMC key without the original, how to make a duplicate, which keys you can program yourself, procedures, what you should know before and more.
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- This page is relevant for programming ALL GM keys and remotes. (Chevy, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn, and some of Isuzu keys)
In this article:
Introduction to programming GMC keys
On-Board Programming – What is it? How does it help us program a new GMC key?
Tips for programming your new key
The actual procedure of programming a new GMC key
How to add a duplicate GMC key once you already have a working key?
How to program GMC key fobs or remotes?
What Can I do to save money on getting a duplicate or a new GMC remote/key made?
GMC key programming cost of a replacement key/remote
I already have a programmed key/remote, I just need a duplicate – GMC duplicate key cost
Introduction:
Making a new key for GMC models takes time and money. While cutting the actual key require help from an outside source like the dealer or an automotive locksmith, programming the key can be done easily. The process of making a new key to start the car involved, basically, two phases:
A. Cutting a new key :
That means cutting a blank key to match the ignition and will be able to turn the ignition to “ON” or “RUN” position”. You can call the dealer or a locksmith to cut the key for you. Keep in mind, you will have to provide proof of ownership and the VIN number.
B. Program the key –
Most of GMC models made in the past 20 years are equipped with some sort of transponder security feature.
That security feature requires an additional action (programming the key) to start the car.
Either a locksmith or a dealer can program the key for you if you choose to.
However, the car will have to be towed there.
Alternatively, you can do it yourself. The instruction below shows you how to program the new key yourself without any special equipment or help from an outside source.
A step by step on how to program a new car key when all keys are lost, how to duplicate an extra key, troubleshooting, what you should know and more.
Most of GM models car keys can be programmed without special programming machine.
Therefore, if you have an already cut key for any of these makes or models, most chances are you can program it yourself without calling a locksmith or tow the car to the dealer.
Here we will give detailed instructions on how to program a new key, what you should pay attention to, troubleshooting and useful tips that can save you a lot of money and time.
A new master key can be programmed with a method called: “On Board Programming “
On-Board Programming is basically a way to program a new key or to add a duplicate key without a special machine.
All you need is a cut key that matches the ignition, enough battery, and this guide.
A few tips before you start the process of programming a new car key for GMC models:
A. Once you program a new key, ALL previous keys will not start the car.
In other words, if you find your old key after programming the new one, it will not work.
Therefore, we highly recommend having at least two new cut keys and program them both.
B. Programming GM keys require about 30 minutes of battery life, without the car being on.
Therefore, it is very important to make sure you have enough juice in the battery before starting the process. In case the battery dies during the process, the new master key will not program and you will have to start the procedure all over again.
C. While most GM models can be programmed with this method, we would recommend verifying the type of key with a locksmith or an additional reliable source that it is the right key.
D. There are a few transponder keys (PK3, PK circle + etc.) that work on GMC models. You must have the right type of transponder key that matches your model and year.
Otherwise, the key will not program. You can check the right key for the exact make and model here.
Here is the procedure you should follow to program a new GMC TRANSPONDER key – without the original:
- Insert the new cut and unprogrammed key you have into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the “ON” position. Make sure you look at the dash as the security light should illuminate as you turn the key. If the security light doesn’t illuminate it means you have a problem with your battery and you should charge or replace it.
- Once the security light is illuminated it will stay on for ten minutes. We suggest you have a stopwatch as well because the next step will have to happen within ONE minute and you don’t want to miss that.
- After 10 minutes, the security light will stop flashing, within ONE minute, you should turn the ignition cylinder into “OFF” position and then back to “ON” again. The security light on the dash should illuminate for an additional ten minutes and then go off.
- Within one minute, turn the ignition cylinder into “OFF” position and then back to “ON” again. The security light on the dash should illuminate for an additional ten minutes and then go off.
- Once the security light goes off after the 3rd time (total 30 minutes) the new key should be programmed and start the car. Keep in mind, ALL other keys will not work anymore. Now you can start the car. We highly recommend making a copy of the key.
Below, a couple of pictures of GMC transponder key that can be programmed using “on-board programming” :
I already have a working key, I just want to make a duplicate. What is the procedure of programming an extra duplicate key?
The process of making a duplicate key, when you already have one or more working keys is fairly easy and therefore we recommend doing so.
Here is what you will need:
- A working key that can start the car.
- A cut key that you wish to program – make sure it has the right transponder value as your other key.
Here are the steps you should take to program an additional GMC key:
- insert your original key – The one that currently you are able to start the car with into the ignition cylinder.
- Turn the ignition cylinder to “ON” position and right after to “OFF” position.
- Remove the original key from the ignition cylinder.
- Now you have 10 seconds to do the next step.
- Insert the key you want to duplicate into the ignition cylinder and turn it to “ON” position.
- Take a look at the security light. It should light up for about 2 seconds which will indicate the new key has been successfully programmed.
How to program GMC key fobs or remotes?
Remote car keys, also known as key fobs, smart keys or push to start keys, are the latest generation of security car keys.
Therefore, onboard programming or self-programming is not available for these type of keys or remotes and an additional equipment or programming machine is necessary to complete this process.
An automotive locksmith or the dealer will have to connect this machine to the car’s computer and only then a duplicate or a new key can be made.
Below, a few examples of GMC remote key fobs that require programming machine:
Below, an example of a programming machine (MVP Key programming), used by the dealer or an automotive locksmith to program GMC remote key fobs:
How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new GMC key/remote made?
As we explained above, the process of getting a new key involves cutting the new key and program it.
When you call a locksmith or the dealer, they will charge you for a service call, the actual key, the labor of cutting the key and programming.
Fortunately, you can save the money of the key by ordering it online, and only have them cut and program it. This alone will save you about $50-$100 as the locksmith or the dealer make a profit by selling you the key as well.
True, it may take a longer time to get the key from Amazon but if you are not in a big rush or need a key ASAP, we recommend you do that. This is especially true if you only need a duplicate made.
Bottom line, how and what should I do?
- Order your key online – Make sure you get the right key. In case you get the wrong key or remote programming will not be possible. You can look up your exact key for your Buick model Here. Simply choose your model and year and get it online. You can order your key here.
- Call the dealer or locksmith – Explain to them you already have the key/remote and would only like it to be cut and/or programmed. Ask them for the quote on this procedure only.
- In addition, keep in mind, the process usually cost somewhere between $80-$150, depends on the type of key/remote you have.
- Finally, schedule a time with them to have it done. Remember to provide them with the exact year, make and model, VIN number and make sure you have a proof of ownership.
GMC key programming cost – How much does it cost to program a new GMC transponder key and remote.
As stated above, getting your GMC key online and having the dealer or an automotive locksmith can save you a lot of money. If you need to order your key, you can do it HERE.
Programming a new GMC key, assuming you already have a blank key, basically involves two phases:
1. Cutting the key or remote so it will fit your car’s ignition.
Before the key can be programmed, it needs to be cut to fit your car. The way an automotive locksmith or the dealership do that is by “pulling” the key code, using your VIN from the database. This cost them money and therefore, they charge you for it. (Unlike when you already have a cut key and just need a duplicate)
2. Program the key or remote – To actually start the car.
The programming procedure is simply a process to let your car know that the new key is “authorized” to start the car. That being done by connecting a programming machine to your car’s computer.
Both the dealer and an automotive locksmith will have to do the same thing, however, the prices vary:
Cost of programming GMC key by the dealer:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your GMC car.
Cutting the key: Usually around $85
Programming the key: Usually around $85
In addition, you will have to two your car to the dealer which is an additional expanse of $70(estimate)
Total estimated cost: $240
Cost of programming GMC key by an automotive locksmith:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your GMC car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $75
Programming the key: Usually around $75
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50
Total estimated cost: $200
In conclusion, as you can see, the price of replacing and programming your GMC key is not cheap and therefore we highly recommend to make an extra key while replacing your key as it much cheaper than making a new one once you lost all your keys.
I already have a programmed key, I just need a duplicate – GMC duplicate key cost
The price of making a duplicate GMC key is cheaper than making an original key when all keys are lost for two main reasons:
- You already have a cut key – That means no need to “pull” a code from the database.
- Your car’s computer already “knows” that one key is authorized to start the car and therefore we can use that key to add some more. (Note that not in all models and years it’s possible)
Here is the average cost of getting a duplicate GMC key by the dealership and an automotive locksmith:
Cost of duplicate a GMC key by the dealer:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your GMC car.
Cutting the key: Usually around $20
Programming the key: Usually around $85
Total estimated cost: $105
Cost of duplicate a GMC key by an automotive locksmith:
These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your GMC car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day etc.
We checked the prices during regular business hours, same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:
Cutting the key: Usually around $10
Programming the key: Usually around $75
In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50 or you can drive your car to the locksmith shop and save this expanse which we obviously recommend.
Total estimated cost: $85